Serums tend to have a lighter consistency than creams and can penetrate skin deeper to provide anti-ageing benefits, while being easier for your body to absorb than heavier moisturizers.
If your complexion suffers from uneven texture or enlarged pores, try searching for an anti-age serum with exfoliating ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs; or opt for one from The Ordinary that boosts collagen production such as this one from The Ordinary.
1. Retinol
Retinol, a form of vitamin A often found in skin-care products, is one of the powerful retinoids used to speed up cell turnover in skin tissue and thus help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade dark spots, even out tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, speed up cell renewal. Retinol’s ability to do all these things makes it an invaluable part of skin care products.
Christopher Panzica, a licensed aesthetician in Brentwood, Tennessee suggests using glycolic acid to both reduce brown sun damage and boost collagen production. But because its use may be irritating, Christopher suggests beginning with low-strength OTC formulas before increasing concentration levels under dermatologist supervision.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 moisturizer is an excellent starter retinol product. Using lower concentrations of this active ingredient, it can help with fine lines and pigmentation issues while soothing irritation on sensitive skin types. Once your skin adjusts to it, consider moving up to higher-concentration serums like La Roche-Posay Redermic R or The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol with high quality anti-ageing blends of other anti-ageing ingredients, making treatment potentially less irritating on sensitive skin types.
2. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid — more commonly referred to as HA or hyaluronan — is an abundant polysaccharide found throughout our bodies’ connective tissues such as skin and joints, providing cushioned protection that helps them remain flexible while also helping them retain their shape, according to The Cleveland Clinic. As we age, however, hyaluronic acid stores begin depleting; some skincare products contain this ingredient to replenish these levels.
Hyaluronic acid serum acts as a humectant, binding water molecules to skin’s surface in order to increase hydration and soften fine lines and wrinkles, according to Allure. Hyaluronic acid can also be combined with peptides in order to stimulate collagen production, according to reports from Allure.
Hyaluronic acid comes in different formulations depending on your skin type and specific needs, from moisturizers and serums to oral supplements and injectables. Some options for hydrolyzed HA, which breaks it down into smaller components that penetrate skin easily, as well as sodium hyaluronate for oily or combination skin types may also exist.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide has quickly become one of the go-to ingredients in anti-aging skincare regimens due to its impressive anti-ageing effects. Studies have demonstrated it to effectively reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (thanks to pigment-inhibiting properties), blotchiness and rough skin texture – not forgetting its capacity for increasing skin hydration levels and strengthening barriers against irritation that helps delay premature aging.
Studies have demonstrated that 5 percent concentrations of Niacinamide can be effective at lightening dark spots and helping minimize pores, while also working to decrease oil production and treat acne, specifically papules and pustules. Niacinamide should be added into your routine after cleansing, toning and prior to applying thick moisturizers or oils containing thick moisturizers; pairing well with other skin-loving ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid or peptides also add benefits; says Gmyrek. Niacinamide works to enhance prescription retinoids prescription retinoids by increasing its efficacy according to Gmyrek.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can effectively neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the skin, leading to early signs of aging and increasing fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it boosts collagen synthesis which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles while increasing firmness in the skin.
Finding a serum with the appropriate concentration of vitamin C and other ingredients is crucial. An excessively high concentration may irritate skin, so aim for 10%-20% ascorbic acid for maximum effect. In addition, look for products containing stabilizing ingredients like ferulic and vitamin E; to prevent degradation over time it’s also wise to opt for dark bottles since vitamin C degrades when exposed to heat or light.
Vitamin C can be found in many food sources, such as strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. But for optimal results, topical application may be the way to go; look for serums containing both hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-soothing silicone in addition to vitamin C for maximum efficacy.
